Educators Lesson Plan: Harmful Algal Blooms - Red Tide

Researchers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) are on the edge of scientific discovery. They are working to discover the mysteries of Karenia brevis (K. brevis), the dinoflagellate responsible for many of Florida's red tides. Their work is focusing on the life cycle of this troublesome alga and better ways of tracking its blooms. They are also working in collaboration with a consortium of agencies to more quickly identify toxicity in shellfish and thus shorten the time that aquacultural businesses need to be closed for public health purposes.These activities were made available by Project Oceanography in the Spring of 2001. Note: Karenia brevis (K. brevis) is the more current scientific name of the organism referred to in the attached activity worksheet- Gymnodinium breve.